Advance community embraces the true spirit of Christmas with a traveling Nativity tradition

ADVANCE — Like most communities in December, Advance is seeing its share of special events to celebrate the Christmas season. Among them are a community market, parade and cookie walk. However, there is something else very special that is reminding Advance residents of the real reason to celebrate the Christmas season.

A traveling Nativity scene has been making its way around the community. Advance Methodist Church member and Advance resident Mendy Pickett Henson said it was inspired by the city of Bloomfield, which also has a traveling Nativity scene.

Pickett said a committee was meeting to plan holiday events for the city when the idea was brought up. She said her church had a Nativity scene donated to them by the Lowndes Methodist Church. He said the Nativity scene is about 25 years old and stands approximately 28 inches high.

Pickett went before the Advance Methodist Church Council and asked permission to use the Nativity scene and start it on its journey. The council granted its permission and the journey began. The traveling Nativity consists of Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.

“I wanted to remind people the reason we celebrate Christmas is Jesus’ birth,” said Pickett of why the traveling Nativity scene was started.

She said once a family receives the Nativity scene they are required to pass it on within 24 hours. This is done by simply placing it in another family’s yard.

One Advance resident spoke about receiving the Nativity scene.

“I was very moved we found it in our yard,” said Advance resident Debbi Dunivan Middleton, “Someone cared enough about us to send blessings to our home.”

The Nativity scene has a card attached to it. On the card is a scripture reading that tells the story of Jesus’ birth.

Middleton said the traveling Nativity is reminding everyone of what Christmas is really about.

“I believe the fact that every day it was posted on Facebook reminded everyone, every day what the true meaning of Christmas is… the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Middleton.

On Dec. 24, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus will return to Advance Methodist Church. They will then be placed in the manger for Christmas.

Pickett said she believes the traveling Nativity scene will grow every year. It is her hope that Advance will inspire other communities just as Bloomfield inspired them.